HomeMy WebLinkAboutMay 10, 1976OFFICIAL PROCEEDINGS
REGULAR MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL
CITY OF COLUMBIA HEIGHTS, MINNESOTA
MAY 10, 1976
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Meeting was called to order at 8:04 p.m.
Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Norberg, Hentges, Nawrocki--present
Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Hentges to name Karen DeBruin
Secretary for the Meeting. Roll Call: All Ayes
A short Invocation was given by Father Vincent Colon of
Immaculate Conception Church.
MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
Councilman Norberg asked that the minutes of the meetings of
March 23, 1976; April 12, 1976; and April 13, 1976 be deferred
until later in the meeting.
Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Hentges to defer the passing of
the minutes until later in the meeting. Roll Call: All Ayes
PAYMENT OF BILLS
Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Norberg to pay bills as listed out
of their proper funds. Roll Call: Ali Ayes
TRAFFIC COMMISSION DISCUSSION ITEM: MTC ROUTE EXTENSION
Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Norberg to hold a public hearing
at 7:00 p.m. May 24, 1976 regarding the extension of Route 18
to bring bus service on 40th Avenue between Reservoir Boulevard
and Stinson Boulevard connecting to Apache Plaza. Roll Call:
All Ayes
It was noted that the Traffic Commission voted unanimously to
recommend approval of this request.
BIDS ON LANDSCAPING MCKENNA PARK
It was noted that this proposal was recommended by the Park Board
members.
Motion by Logacz, Seconded by Heintz to award the bid on landscaping
McKenna Park to Up-A-Tree in the amount of $4,053.54 and authorize
the Mayor and City Manager to enter into contract for same.
Roll Call: All Ayes
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REQUEST TO AMEND FIELD HOUSE RE-ROOFING BID
It was noted that a letter had been received from The Balluff
Company regarding the bid which had been awarded to them for
roofing of the Columbia Heights Field House.
Mr. Balluff stated in his letter that he 'lbid the replacement of
rotted roof boards on the basis of replacing them with one
inch dimension boards and not three inch decking. I was not
aware of the three inch decking that is to be replaced."
Mr. Balluff went on to say that his bid for replacing the
three inch decking would be $4.70 per foot.
Mr. Murzyn noted that there would only be approximately ten square
feet of three inch decking to be replaced on the entire surface of
the roof.
Motion by Logacz, Seconded by Heintz to amend the contract with
Balluff Company to provide for $4.70 per square foot for
replacement of the three inch decking.
Councilman Norberg noted that this motion does not designate
a specific dollar amount as to what should be spent on this
contract amendment.
Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Hentges to amend the Balluff
contract in an amount not to exceed $75.OO
Roll Call on Motion to amend contract in amount of $4.70
per square foot for replacement of three inch decking: All Ayes
Roll Call on Motion to amend contract in an amount not to
exceed $75.00: All Ayes
BIDS ON STORM DRAINS
It was noted that the bids received on this item were very good
and the necessary materials were available. It was recommended
that the low bidder, Northdale Construction, be awarded the bid.
Motion by Heintz, Seconded by Logacz to award the bid for
storm drain work to Northdale Construction in the amount of
$62,317.OO and the Mayor and City Manager be authorized to
enter into contract for same. Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz,
Nawrocki--aye Norberg, Hentges--nay
City Attorney Kalina noted that a 3/5 vote is sufficient to
pass this motion.
May 10, 1976 -202-
Councilman Hentges noted that he would like to challenge the
attorney's opinion, stating that he believed that it would
take a 4/5 vote to pass this type of motion, because it is
a public improvement used to benefit property owners, and
according to the Charter, a 4/5 vote is necessary.
City Attorney Kalina stated that a 4/5 vote is needed to
authorize a project such as had been described, but the
motion in question was merely awarding a bid and authorizing
the Mayor and City Manager to enter into a contract, and
not a motion to authorize a public improvement.
BIDS ON SEWER DEPARTMENT MATERIALS
It was noted that miscellaneous materials were bid, and
Neenah Foundry Company proved to be the low bidder. It
was further noted that the bid came to a grand total of
$1,453.O0, this amount being covered in the budget.
Motion by Hentges, Seconded by Heintz to authorize the
City Manager to purchase materials for the Sewer Department
in the amount of $1,453.00. Roll Call: All Ayes
PETITION REGARDING GLOVER LAWSUIT
At this time, City Attorney Kalina presented a petition subsequent
to the initial registration of property which had been the subject
of the Glover Lawsuit. He stated that this document registers the
land in the name of the City of Columbia Heights.
Motion by Logacz, Seconded by Heintz that the Mayor and City
Manager be authorized to execute a Petition Subsequent to
Initial Registration of property which was the subject of the
Glover Lawsuit. Roll Call: All Ayes
Mayor Nawrocki noted that a letter had been received from Pako
Corporation, stating that Columbia Heights is one of the areas
under consideration for the site of their new facility. Mayor
Nawrocki suggested that the staff pursue this matter with Pako.
Mayor Nawrocki also spoke briefly of a letter which had been
received from one of the unsuccessful candidates for Fire
Chief in the City of Columbia Heights.
PROCLAMATION SUPPORTING BUDDY POPPY DAY
WHEREAS: The annual sale of Buddy Poppies by the Veterans of
Foreign Wars of the United Stated has been officially recognized
and endorsed by governmental leaders since 1922; and
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WHEREAS: V.F.W. Buddy Poppies are assembled by disabled veterans,
and the proceeds of this worthy fund-raising campaign are used
exclusively for the benefit of disabled and needy veterans, and the
widows and orphans of deceased veterans, and
WHEREAS: The basic purpose of the annual sale of Buddy Poppies
by the Veterans of Foreign Wars is eloquently reflected in the desire
to "Honor the Dead by Helping the Living"; therefore,
I, Bruce G. Nawrocki, Mayor of the City of Columbia Heights do hereby
urge all citizens of this community to recognize the merits of this
cause by contributing generously to its support through the purchase of
Buddy Poppies on the day set aside for the distribution of these symbo]s
of appreciation for the sacrifices of our honored dead.
I urge all patriotic citizens to wear a Buddy Poppy as mute evidence
of our gratitude to the men of this country who have risked their lives
in defense of the freedoms which we continue to enjoy as American Citizens.
Mayor Nawrocki at this time turned the meeting over to Council
President Heintz and left.
SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE #849
STREET
SALE OF LAND BEHIND 4334 BENJAMIN
The second reading of Ordinance #849 was held. Council President
Heintz asked if, since the second reading of an ordinance constitutes
a public hearing, there were any people present at the meeting to
speak on the subject of selling this piece of ]and to Mr. and Mrs.
Bradley Tatting. Mr. Tatting was the only person present concerning
this item.
Councilman Hentges stated that he would like a report by the City
Manager as to how many ]and locked pieces of property the City owns
and a summary of the ways they could possibly be used. He emphasized
that he wished to know about all of the ]and locked pieces of ]and.
Councilman Norberg asked if $132.50, the price the land was being
sold for, was a fair representation of recovery of costs for the
City. City Manager Watson stated that, in his estimation, it was a
fair' price, because any developing or maintenance done on this piece
of land locked property would be costly to the City.
Councilman Norberg asked if anyone in the area in question wanted
to open a street there, in which case the City wou]d need this piece
of property on which to bui]d. Mr. Watson stated that this idea
had not been proposed recently to the people in that area, but that
whenever it had been discussed in the past, the people were
always opposed.
Ordinance #849 was Offered by Logacz.
Motion dies for ]ack of a second.
May 10, 1976 -204-
It was noted that the Council had not decided on a selling price
for the land.
Mr. Tatting stated that he did not wish to spend a great deal of
money for the land because it would be costly to develop and
maintain. He further stated that he would be willing to spend
up to $300 for it.
City Attorney Kalina stated that he thought this was a reasonable
price for this land since it was being sold on a quit claim deed.
He further noted that at some point this parcel of land had gone
tax delinquent, and Mr. Tatting may have some difficulty in
obtaining the deed and that this procedure could prove to be
costly to him.
Ordinance #849 was Offered by Logacz, Seconded by Hentges with
Section 2 to read as follows: Terms and Conditions.
That the term of sale of said property to the said Bradley
and Ramona Tatting is $300.00
Roll Call: Logacz, Heintz, Hentges--aye Norberg--nay
Ordinance #849 was adopted.
SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE #850 VACATING ALLEY
The Second Reading of Ordinance #850 was held.
Ordinance #850 was Offered by Norberg, Seconded by Logacz.
Roll Call: All Ayes
PLANNING AND ZONING REQUEST
DEREK BRAUN: VARIANCE TO CONSTRUCT A GARAGE
Motion by Hentges, Seconded by Logacz to grant the variance to
Derek Braun of 4400 - 7th Street Northeast.
Roll Call: All Ayes
PLANNING AND ZONING REQUEST
CHARLES COLDREN: PERMISSION TO CONSTRUCT PRIVACY FENCE
Mr. Watson noted that Mr. Coldren's neighbors all agreed that this
was a desirable proposal as the fence would be constructed for
security purposes.
Motion by Logacz, Seconded by Hentges to grant permission to
Charles Coldren of 215 - 4Oth Avenue Northeast to construct
a privacy fence. Roll Call: All Ayes
PLANNING AND ZONINE REQUEST
MINNEAPOLIS ELECTRIC STEEL CASTINGS:
FOR OFF STREET PARKING LOT
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT
A representative from Minneapolis Electric Steel Castings
Company was present and noted that this propo~l was to provide
for more space for employees and customers to park.
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May lO, 1976
Council President Heintz noted that he would like to get an
agreement with Minneapolis E]ectric Steel Castings Company
regarding where their employees would park. He further noted
the trouble he has been having with Minneapo]is Electric Steel
Castings employees parking in front of his house. Council
President Heintz suggested that parking in the provided lots
be a condition of employment for Minneapolis Electric Steel
Casting's employees. He further suggested that the matter be
taken up with the personne] manager.
Councilman Norberg suggested that a representative from
Minneapolis Electric Steel Castings Company come back and report
to the Council on what actions were being taken to prevent employees
from parking on Mill Street and 5th Street.
Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Logacz to grant the request for
a conditional use permit for off street parking lot to Minneapolis
Electric Steel Castings Company. Roll Call: All Ayes
FURTHER REVIEW OF STORM DRAIN--43RD AVENUE WEST OF MCLEOD
Mr. Tom Dwyer of 1325-43½ Avenue stated that he thought this
project should be reviewed because, after re-consideration by
the people in the area, it was decided that the people could
do something by filling and grading their properties that would
alleviate the problem which now exists.
Mr. Clayton Berg of the Engineering Department stated that he
thought state law allowed property owners to fill their own land.
Mr. Hildreth of 1315-43rd Avenue stated that the filling would
be minimal and would amount to less that a foot and a half.
A lady in the audience stated that she thought that something
more permanent should be done in regard to this drainage problem,
and Mr. Berg of the Engineering Department agreed with her.
Mr. Stone of 1331-43rd Avenue stated that he is against the project
unti[l the people of the neighborhood try to do something on their own.
Councilman Norber9 stated that he heard the people saying that they
wanted a better solution to their drainage problem. He noted that
he thought that by allowing the people to grade their own land and
take care of the problem themselves, they would be doing nothing
more than merely '~chasing the puddle around" He also stated that
the Engineering Department has come up with a solution to the
problem which will work and he didn't see the advantage of looking
further to try to solve the problem.
Councilman Logacz noted that the people agreed to the Engineering
solution at the time of the Public Hearing.
May lO, 1976 -206-
Council President Heintz at this time noted that if no action
is taken on this item, the project will stand approved. He
then asked the Council what they wished to do regarding this
matter. It was decided that no action would be taken, and the
project would stand approved, as it had at the time of the
hearing.
JEAN WALD: CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR DAY NURSERY AT
3704 - 2½ STREET
City Manager Watson asked Mrs. Wald if there would be any problem
caused with people parking their vehicles in front of her house.
Mrs. Wald stated that no problem of this kind would be created,
as the people who would be using her day nursery would only be
dropping off and picking up their children, and there would be
no parking in front of her home. It was noted that Mrs. Wald
would comply with all requirements of the City on building and
fire safety, and also the licensing requirements of Anoka County.
Motion by Logacz, Seconded by Hentges to grant a conditional
use permit to Jean Wald of 3704-2½ Street for a Day Nursery.
Roll Call: All Ayes
It was noted that this permit could be revoked for failure to
comply with requirements as set forth by the County and City.
STEVE PETERSON: VARIANCE FOR GARAGE ON SMALL LOT AT 4455 QUINCY
Mr. Watson noted that this particular lot is essentially square.
Hr further noted that the only way in which a garage could be
located on the lot is on the back corner adjoining the house.
The proposed garage would be 20 feet by 20 feet and would have
a driveway on the south side of the house off Quincy Street.
The Planning and Zoning Commission recommended a rear yard
variance to allow construction of this garage as the 30 foot
rear yard requirement would eliminate any possibility of a
garage structure. It was further noted that this home was
originally built without a garage, but because of vandalism
and associated problems, it has become necessary to build a
garage.
Motion by Logacz, Seconded by Hentges to grant the variance
to Steve Peterson.
Mr. and Mrs. Daniel Lutz of 4445 Quincy Street stated that they
were unable to attend the hearing before the Planning and
Zoning Commission regarding this garage variance. They stated
that they were strenuously opposed to the construction of a
garage at this place on the lot. They stated that they have
a tree close to the edge of their property, and if Mr. Peterson
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May 10, 1976
dug down into the ground to lay the slab for his garage, he
would have to cut into the roots of this tree. They noted that
this would be dangerous, as the tree could come down.
Roll Call on Motion: Logacz, Heintz--aye Norberg, Hentges--nay
Motion fai]s.
Councilman Logacz noted that he voted aye because he is on the
Planning and Zoning Commission, which originally approved this
request for Council consideration.
It was noted that Mr. Peterson could not bring back this same
proposal for consideration for 180 days, although he could bring
an alternate proposal.
RECESS WAS CALLED AT 10:45 P.M.
MEETING WAS RECONVENED AT 10:55 P.M.
SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE #851 SALE OF PORTION OF 39TH AVENUE
It was noted that this land would be sold for 5500.
Ordinance #851 was Offered by Logacz, Seconded by Norberg.
Roll Call: All Ayes
Ordinance #851 was adopted.
SECOND READING OF ORDINANCE #852 VACATING PORTION OF 39TH AVENUE
Ordinance #852 was Offered by Norberg, Seconded by Logacz.
Roll Call: All Ayes
Ordinance #852 was adopted.
RESOLUTION #76-25 ESTABLISHING LIQUOR STORE MANAGER'S SALARY
BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Columbia
Heights, that
beginning April 30, 1976 the salary for the new Liquor Store Manager,
Mr. Max Thomas, be established at the monthly rate of S1,345 in
Range 25 of the Position Classification and Pay Plan.
Resolution #76-25 was Offered by Norberg, Seconded by Hentges.
Roll Call: All Ayes
RESOLUTION #76-26 ESTABLISHING THE FIRE CHIEF'S SALARY
BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Columbia
Heights, that beginning June l, 1976 the salary for the new Fire
Chief, Donald R. Johnson, be established at a monthly rate of
$1,554 in Range 28 of the Position Classification and Pay Plan.
Resolution #76-26 was Offered by Logacz, Seconded by Hentges.
Roll Call: All Ayes
May 10, 1976
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Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Hentges to table the minutes of
March 23, April 12 and April 13. Roll Call: All Ayes
TRAFFIC COMMISSION DISCUSSION ITEMS
Councilman Hentges noted that these items were to be placed on
the Traffic Commission agenda.
FIRE DEPARTMENT REQUEST TO SEND THREE MEMBERS TO MINNESOTA STATE
FIRE SCHOOL
It was noted that this school would be held in St. Paul May 21
to 23.
Motion by Logacz, Seconded by Hentges to grant the request to
send three fire department members to the Minnesota State Fire
School in St. Paul May 21 to 23. Roll Call: All Ayes
SET HEARING DATES FOR SIDEWALK REPLACEMENT AND SEAL COATING
It was noted that the ideal conditions to perform seal coating
are to have the humidity below fifty percent and the temperature
above 70 degrees.
It was also noted that the sidewalk and seal coat hearings
could not be held in the same night because of the amount of
time necessary for each of these hearings.
The seal coat hearing was set for the regular Council Meeting
of June 14 at 7:00 p.m. No date was set for the sidewalk
hearings.
REQUEST FOR SALE OF LOTS ON THE NORTH SIDE OF 40TH AVENUE
WEST OF STINSON (LOTS 4, 5, 6, 7, AND 8 OF BLOCK 2, APACHE
HEIGHTS)
Mr. Watson noted that a request had come in asking to purchase
one of the lots in question. He also noted that the lots were
previously offered for sale, but no acceptable offers were
received. He asked the Council if they would like to consider
offering these lots for sale at this time.
The Council directed Mr. Watson to determine what price these
lots should sell for, along with a recommendation on what
should be done.
LATE REQUESTS
Mr. Watson noted the request of Police Chief Anderson to purchase
nineteen ~Safariland Morgan Textured Armor" vests. Mr. Watson
further noted that Chief Anderson had stated in his request that
these vests were a budgeted item and informal quotations had
been taken.
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Council President Heintz suggested that perhaps it would be
best if these vests were tried out before they were purchased.
Mr. Watson stated that, in all probability, someone from the
Police Department had already tried out the vests.
Council President Heintz stated that he thought one or two of
the vests should be purchased in lieu of the proposed nineteen
in order to provide a trial period for the vests.
Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Hentges to authorize the City
Manager to purchase two 'lSafari]and Morgan Textured Armor" vests
from Cy's Mens Wear in an amount not to exceed $200. Roll Ca]]:
All Ayes
It was noted that a proposal had been received from David Shaffer
for work on the Rip Rap Slope on Jefferson Wall. Mr. Shaffer had
proposed to perform six phases of work, up to and including the
preparation of plans and specifications for construction of the
wall. It was also noted that for S15 an hour, Mr. Shaffer would
be willing to do consultant work and help the contractor in the
actual construction of the wall.
Mr. Watson asked Mr. George Brown, City Engineer, if he could
foresee any reason Mr. Shaffer would be needed for consultations
after he had prepared the plans. Mr. Brown stated that he could
not.
It was noted that this work would only be for the median wall
on Jefferson Street.
Motion by Logacz, Seconded by Hentges to accept the proposal
of David Shaffer, Consulting Engineer from St. Louis Park
for design items one through six of his proposal in an amount
of $725. Roll Call: All Ayes
Mr. Watson noted that he had received a letter from the people
in St. Anthony who had been participating in the Columbia Heights
waterline. They stated that they would like to stay on the
Columbia Heights waterline because the water is as safe as any
in the country and more palatable than the water they would be
forced to use if they were to be disconnected from the Columbia
Heights line. They also noted that the line has served them
well with little or no problem. They further stated that they
would be willing to pay all maintenance costs incurred on the
line. They concluded by stating that Jerry Dulgar, City Manager
of St. Anthony, understands their desire to stay on the
Columbia Heights waterline.
May 10, 1976 ~210-
Councilman Norberg noted that he would like the subject of the
MELSA (Metropolitan Library Service Association) Agreements to
come up at the next meeting of the City Council. He noted that
he was looking to the Council for direction in this matter, and
he asked the Council members to look over the copy of the proposed
agreement.
LICENSES
There was some question on whether the first license application
should be granted. It was not clear if the application had been
made for the proper kind of license for the situation.
Motion by Norberg, Seconded by Hentges to grant licenses as
listed upon payment of proper fees and to refer the license
of K and R Construction to the Planning and Zoning Commission.
Roll Call: All Ayes
Councilman Hentges stated at this time that he noticed that
people in the City have been cleaning up their properties,
probably in conjunction with the clean up campaigns that had
been promoted throughout the City.
Councilman Norberg asked when the Council could expect to receive
a report from Mr. Schedler, Finance Director, on the status of
the Votomatic Machines. Mr. Watson replied that he had reminded
Mr. Schedler that the Council requested a report on this matter,
and that it would be submitted shortly.
Clayton Berg, of the Engineering Department, noted that he had
spoken with Don Jolly, who is anticipating having all of the
site grading done on the water tower finished the week of
May I0, with a possible ribbon cutting ceremony for the week
of May 17.
Mr. Watson noted that he had two people who were interested in
being appointed to the vacant seats on the Human Rights Commission,
and that interviews could be set up for May 11 at 7:00 in the
evening if the Council agreed. It was decided to hold these
interviews.
CITY MANAGER REPORTS
Mr. Watson asked the Council if they would reconsider the request
to attend the City Manager's Conference on May 12, 13 and 14.
He noted the subject of the conference as being working with
citizen groups and how to effectively utilize such advisory
neighborhood organizations. He further noted that he would be
willing to use vacation time for this conference.
Motion by Logacz, Seconded by Hentges to authorize the cost of
registration and room for Mr. Watson to attend the City Manager's
Conference. Roll Call: All Ayes
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FIRST READING OF ORDINANCE #853--CODIFYING ORDINANCES
Mr'. Kalina, the City Attorney, read this ordinance. He then
stated that he hoped to have the list of corrections ready for
the next Council Meeting.
At this time, the Mayor asked George Brown, City Engineer, what
he thought should be done about the driveways on 39½ Avenue from
Cleveland to McKinley Street. These driveways were taken out to
do work on the street and the replacement driveway aprons did
not match the existing driveways. Mr. Brown recommended that
corrective work be done on these driveways. He stated this could
be done by hiring a contractor to go in and match the driveways.
The approximate cost of this corrective work was estimated to
be $1,500.
George Brown also noted that he is presently working on acquiring
easements for the Central Avenue Urbanization project.
Motion by Logacz, Seconded by Norberg to adjourn the m~eting at
12:46 a. m. Roll Call: All Ayes
Bruce G. Nawrocki, Mayor
Secreta